Chapter 192: with translation of chapter title

Exactly so; of course, inviting you all here is not merely that.

Translation: "Exactly so, of course, inviting you all here is not merely that."

We need to keep quotes? The Chinese includes quotation marks 「」. Should we keep them? The instruction: translate faithfully; we should preserve punctuation but convert Chinese quotes to English quotes? Usually we keep the meaning; we can replace with English quotation marks. We'll output: "Exactly so, of course, inviting you all here is not merely that." We'll keep the double quotes.

But we need to output each line as 【N】 translation. We'll not include the Chinese quotes; we'll use English double quotes.

Let's produce:

【1】 "Exactly so, of course, inviting you all here is not merely that."

Di Jun wore a smile, while the Four Rivers and Eight Streams water deities had complex expressions, their eyes conveying much.

Translation: "Di Jun wore a faint smile; the Four Rivers Eight Streams Water Gods had complex expressions, their eyes full of meaning."

We need to keep "Di Jun" as given. "Four Rivers Eight Streams Water Gods". Good.

Oh? I don't know what matter Fellow Daoist Di Jun has; please speak plainly.

Translation: "Oh? I don't know what else Fellow Daoist Di Jun has in mind; please speak plainly."

Note: "Fellow Daoist Di Jun" -> "Fellow Daoist Di Jun". We'll keep "Di Jun". "Fellow Daoist" -> "Fellow Daoist". Good.

Ji Shen, on the contrary, showed some interest; Di Jun intends to forcefully open the heavenly realm, which will surely involve schemes, and his ambition is likely not small.

Translation: "Ji Shen instead showed some interest; Di Jun intended to forcefully open the Heavenly Realm, which would certainly involve scheming, and his ambition was likely not small."

We need "Ji Shen". "Heavenly Realm". Good.

It seems many events capable of greatly affecting the situation of the wilderness will occur today, Ji Shen thought.

Translation: "It seems many matters capable of greatly affecting the Wilderness will happen today, Ji Shen thought."

We need "the Wilderness". Good.

I wish to forcefully open the heavenly gate, rely on heaven to control the wilderness; this time I invite everyone for two reasons: first, concern over the Weak Water; second, I desire to jointly create a great undertaking with you all.

Translation: "I intend to forcefully open the gates of the Heavenly Realm, seize the Heavenly Realm to control the Wilderness; this time I invite you all for two reasons: first, out of concern for the Weak Water; second, I wish to jointly create a great undertaking with you all."

We need "Heavenly Realm", "Wilderness", "Weak Water". Good.

Di Jun's eyes revealed confidence, his aura magnificent, generating authority without anger.

Translation: "Di Jun's eyes revealed confidence, his aura mighty, anger not needed to generate awe."

Everyone present, aside from Di Jun and Qi, had solemn expressions; only then did Ji Shen speak again:

Translation: "Everyone present, aside from Di Jun and Qi, had solemn faces; only then did Ji Shen speak again:"

We need "Qi". Good.

How do you, fellow daoist, believe that the accomplishments deemed impossible by the three clans can be achieved in your hands, this unprecedented feat?

Translation: "How do you, Fellow Daoist, believe that what the Three Clans have yet to achieve can be accomplished in your hands, this unprecedented feat?"

We need "Three Clans". We'll translate as "Three Clans". Good.

What kind of confidence do you, fellow daoist, have that would give us assurance to follow you?

Translation: "What kind of confidence do you have, Fellow Daoist, to be certain we can follow you?"

Why should we choose you, fellow daoist, rather than recommend someone else? For instance, Qi Shen, also an earth deity—wouldn't following him be more advantageous for us?

Translation: "Why should we choose you, Fellow Daoist, rather than nominate someone else? Take Qi Shen, for example—also an Earth Deity—wouldn't following him be more advantageous for us?"

We need "Qi Shen". "Earth Deity". Good.

Di Jun laughed loudly: 'Since I have extended the invitation, I naturally possess advantages that others lack.'

Translation: "Di Jun laughed loudly: 'Since I have extended the invitation, I naturally possess advantages others lack.'"

Since I have the resolve to undertake this great endeavor, I must possess the strength to carry it out and sufficient confidence.

Translation: "Since I have the resolve to undertake this great endeavor, I must possess the strength to carry it out and sufficient confidence."

I wonder whether the power of the heavenly stars, the 108 Luo Heavenly Venerable Gods, and the myriad Taiyi upper gods, with the assistance of our friends, will be sufficient.

Translation: "I wonder if the power of the myriad heavenly stars, the strength of the 108 Luo Heavenly Venerable Gods, and that of the myriad Taiyi Upper Gods, with the help of our good friends, would be sufficient?"

We need "myriad heavenly stars" maybe translate as "the myriad heavenly stars". "108 Luo Heavenly Venerable Gods". "myriad Taiyi Upper Gods". Good.

I, Di Jun, have fortunately inherited the Tai Huang Dao lineage, and as the Sun Star God I govern all yang qi of the world, thus I am the orthodox of the wilderness.

Translation: "I, Di Jun, fortunately inherited the Tai Huang Dao Transmission, and as the Sun Star God, I command the yang qi of all under heaven, thus I am the orthodox of the Wilderness."

We need "Tai Huang Dao Transmission", "Sun Star God", "yang qi", "the Wilderness". Good.

I undertake this great endeavor precisely for the great righteousness of heaven and earth; it is only proper.

Translation: "My undertaking is truly for the great righteousness of heaven and earth; it is only right."

The beings of the wilderness have suffered many hardships and long-standing chaos; it is time for someone to preside over the overall situation, allowing beings to attain peace and benevolent treatment.

Translation: "The beings of the Wilderness have suffered many hardships, chaos has long reigned; it is time for someone to oversee the situation, so that beings may live in peace and be treated kindly."

Everyone fell somewhat silent, never expecting that Di Jun, beneath the three clans, would quietly unify the starry heavens, accumulating such strength as to surpass the three clans.

Translation: "Everyone fell somewhat silent, never expecting Di Jun to, under the Three Clans, quietly unify the starry sky, accumulating such strength as to already surpass the Three Clans in momentum."

We need "Three Clans", "starry sky". Good.

Having also inherited the Tai Huang Dao lineage, combined with his identity as the Sun Star God, naturally governing all yang qi, it appears that Di Jun is indeed the unequivocal choice to unify the wilderness.

Translation: "Furthermore, having inherited the Tai Huang Dao Transmission and combined with his identity as the Sun Star God, naturally destined to command the yang qi of all under heaven, it appears Di Jun is indeed the unequivocal choice to unify the Wilderness."

Seeing the crowd hesitate, Di Jun spoke again: 'When the starry heavens return to the wilderness, it will be the era when the heavenly realm emerges; simultaneously, the starry heavens and the sky will unite, allowing the heavenly way among the Three Powers of the Dao to be completed.'

Translation: "Seeing everyone hesitate, Di Jun spoke again: 'When the starry sky returns to the Wilderness, it will be the era when the Heavenly Realm comes into being; at the same time, the starry sky and the heavens will unite, allowing the Heavenly Dao within the Three Powers of the Divine Path to be completed.'"

We need "starry sky", "the Wilderness", "Heavenly Realm", "Heavenly Dao", "Three Powers of the Divine Path". Good.

At that time, its momentum of fortune will surpass even the three clans, and we shall exclusively possess the heavenly way's fortune.

Translation: "Then, its momentum of fortune will surpass even the Three Clans, and we shall exclusively occupy the fortune of the Heavenly Dao."

We need "fortune", "Three Clans", "Heavenly Dao". Good.

If we also gain your assistance and jointly undertake this great endeavor, the world's waterways will enter my vessel, and half of the wilderness's heavenly and earthly fortune will belong to us.

Translation: "If we also gain your assistance and jointly undertake this great venture, all the world's water veins will flow into my vessel, and half of the Wilderness's heaven-and-earth fortune will belong to us."

We need "water veins" (translate as "water veins"), "the Wilderness", "heaven-and-earth fortune". Good.

The subtleties of fortune are also familiar to you, fellow daoists; you can surely infer how effective it will be.

Translation: "The subtleties of fortune, Fellow Daoists, you are also well aware; its effects, I imagine, you can also infer a thing or two."

The eyes of the crowd instantly blazed with fervor, and Di Jun seized the moment to press on:

Translation: "Everyone's eyes instantly blazed with fervor, and Di Jun, seizing the moment, said:"

Moreover, I am not unreasonable; you fellow daoists favor Qi more, as he shares your earth deity nature, making you feel more at ease.

Translation: "Moreover, I am not unreasonable; Fellow Daoists, you are more inclined toward Qi, who, like you, is also an Earth Deity, so you can feel more at ease."

We need "Qi", "Earth Deity". Good.

I have previously stated that Qi's status is equal to ours; if you fellow daoists are uneasy about me, you may simply place yourselves under Qi's seat.

Translation: "I have long said that Qi's status is equal to ours; Fellow Daoists, if you are uneasy about me, you may simply place yourselves under Qi's command."

At that time I will divide the five directional sovereigns, equal in rank, with Qi being one of them; if you are willing, you may later align yourselves with Qi—what do you think?

Translation: "At that time I will appoint Five Directional Sovereigns of equal rank, Qi being one of them; if you are willing, you may eventually align yourselves with Qi, how does that sound?"

We need "Five Directional Sovereigns". Good.

The Four Rivers and Eight Streams water deities exchanged glances, their inner excitement hardly concealable; after mutual eye contact with the crowd, they resolved, rose together, and bowed together:

Translation: "The Four Rivers Eight Streams Water Gods exchanged glances, their excitement barely concealable; after interacting with the others through looks, they resolved, rose together, and bowed together, saying:"

We, pay respects to the two divine sovereigns!

Translation: "We, pay our respects to the Two Divine Sovereigns!"

We need "Two Divine Sovereigns". Good.

Qi wore a smile, saying nothing.

Translation: "Qi wore a faint smile, saying nothing."

Di Jun quickly rose, helped everyone to their feet, and said: 'Please, everyone, rise promptly.'

Translation: "Di Jun hastily rose, helped everyone to their feet, and at the same time said: 'Please, everyone, rise quickly.'"

After everyone rose, seeing that Di Jun had nothing further to say, Qi then spoke:

Translation: "After everyone rose, Qi, seeing that Di Jun had nothing more to add, then spoke:"

Now that the matter is settled, I will add a few remarks; I hope you will not blame me for disturbing your refined interests." Everyone hurriedly replied, "We dare not."

Translation: "Now that the matter is settled, I will add a few remarks; I hope you will not blame me for disturbing your refined pleasure.' Everyone hurriedly replied, 'We dare not.'"

Seeing the crowd quiet down and listen attentively, Qi spoke again:

Translation: "Seeing everyone quiet down and listen attentively, Qi spoke again:"

The three western waters are of utmost importance to the wilderness; yet they currently lack a divine overseer, and neglecting them would cause great harm to beings, which is improper.

Translation: "The Western Three Waters are of vital importance to the Wilderness, yet now no deity governs them; neglecting them would cause great harm to beings, which is truly improper."

We need "Western Three Waters", "the Wilderness". Good.

Among the Four Rivers, the Ji, Yellow, and Huai rivers enter the west, seizing the waterways and incorporating them into the basin.

Translation: "Among the Four Rivers, the Ji River, Yellow River, and Huai River will enter the West, seize the river channels, and bring them into the watershed."

We need "Four Rivers", "Ji River", "Yellow River", "Huai River", "the West", "river channels", "watershed". Good.

Ji, Bing Yi, and Huai—are there any difficulties?

Translation: "Ji, Bing Yi, and Huai—are there any difficulties?"

We need "Ji", "Bing Yi", "Huai". These refer to the deities of those rivers? We'll keep as Ji, Bing Yi, Huai (names). Good.

Now that positions have actually been divided, Qi did not feign hesitation but directly issued orders.

Translation: "Now that the positions have actually been divided, Qi did not feign hesitation but directly issued the order."

The Four Rivers displayed varied expressions; they had anticipated agreeing to join, but never expected that Qi Xi would receive no benefit.

Translation: "The Four Rivers had differing expressions; they had anticipated this when agreeing to join, but never expected that Qi Xiang would receive no benefit."

We need "Four Rivers", "Qi Xiang". Good.

However, now is not the time to worry about her; first grasping the three waters is what a water deity ought to do.

Translation: "But now is not the time to worry about her; first grasping the Three Waters is what a water god ought to do."

We need "Three Waters". Good.

Qi saw Qi Xi's expression unsettled, understood his thoughts, and spoke again:

Translation: "Qi saw that Qi Xiang's expression was uneasy, knowing his thoughts, and spoke again:"

The Yangtze's waters recently reach Yunmeng; Qi Xi, you will next pass through Yunmeng Marsh to connect north and south.

Translation: "The waters of the Yangtze River recently reach Yunmeng Marsh; Qi Xiang, you will next pass through Yunmeng Marsh to connect north and south."

We need "Yangtze River", "Yunmeng Marsh", "Qi Xiang". Good.

Above it connects to the northern continent, meeting the Black Water; below it passes through the river channels that once reversed flow from the undying volcano, linking to the southern continent.

Translation: "Its upper reaches connect to the Northern Continent, joining with the Black Water; its lower reaches flow through the riverbed that once reversed flow from the Undying Volcano, linking to the Southern Continent."

We need "Northern Continent", "Black Water", "Undying Volcano", "Southern Continent". "Undying Volcano" is a place name; we should translate as "Undying Volcano". Good.

Upon hearing this, Qi Xi's heart instantly leapt with joy; the others cast envious glances, and through this division, the Yangtze shall henceforth be called the greatest water system of the wilderness.

Translation: "Upon hearing this, Qi Xiang's heart leapt with joy, and everyone cast envious glances; after this division, the Yangtze River can henceforth be called the greatest water system of the Wilderness."

We need "Qi Xiang", "Yangtze River", "the Wilderness". Good.

Qi Xi directly knelt on the ground and loudly declared: 'Qi Xi thanks the Qi Emperor's grace; henceforth I will devote my liver and brains to repay the Qi Emperor's favor!'

Translation: "Qi Xiang knelt directly on the ground and loudly said: 'Qi Xiang, thank you for the grace of Emperor Qi; from now on I will devote my liver and brains to the ground to repay Emperor Qi's kindness!'"

We need "Qi Xiang", "Emperor Qi". Good.

At this moment, the dignity of any innate deity is irrelevant; Qi Xi seems already to see endless fortune rolling in.

Translation: "At this point, the dignity of any innate deity matters no longer; Qi Xiang seemed to already see endless fortune rolling in."

We need "Qi Xiang", "fortune". Good.

Bing Yi and the others, seeing this, also hurriedly bowed and thanked Qi for the favor.

Translation: "Bing Yi and the others, seeing this, also hurriedly bowed and thanked Qi for the favor."

We need "Bing Yi", "Qi". Good.

Seeing that all matters were concluded, Di Jun laughed:

Translation: "Seeing that all matters were concluded, Di Jun laughed:"

Today is a day of great joy; please, let us all feast and drink heartily in anticipation of our future joint endeavor!

Translation: "Today is a day of great joy; please, let us feast together and drink freely in anticipation of our future joint undertaking!"

Excellent!

Translation: "Good!"

For a moment, the crowd chatted and laughed merrily; music and dance filled the scene, and spiritual fruits and fine wine flowed freely among the seats.

Translation: "For a moment, everyone chatted and laughed merrily; music and dance filled the hall in peace, and spiritual fruit wine flowed freely among the seats."

The dancing girls fluttered like flower-visiting butterflies among the crowd, their song and music echoing to the heavens; amidst the mist of Yunmeng Marsh, it truly was a fairyland.

Translation: "The dancing girls fluttered like flower-visiting butterflies, dancing among the crowd; the music's sound pierced the clouds, and amid the mist of Yunmeng Marsh, it truly was a fairyland."

Bai Ling likewise took a seat at the banquet; although her place was on the periphery, she still gained a modicum of renown.

Translation: "Bai Ling likewise took a seat among the gathering; although positioned at the edge, it also gained a modicum of renown."

Out of curiosity, the crowd inquired and learned that this aura belonged to someone considered formidable even among Luo Golden Immortals, yet he was merely a mount.

Translation: "Out of curiosity, they inquired and learned that this person's aura, even among Great Luo Golden Immortals, was formidable—yet it turned out to be merely a mount."

We need "Great Luo Golden Immortal". Good.

Instantly, they sensed a bright and vast future, the scene of rolling fortune within easy reach.

Translation: "Suddenly, the future seemed bright and vast; the scene of rolling fortune to come was within easy grasp."

Mount Buzhou.

Translation: "Mount Buzhou."

Hongjun stood above the clouds, looking down at the snoring Emperor Jiang, his eyes full of disbelief.

Translation: "Hongjun hovered above the clouds, gazing down at the snoring Di Jiang, his eyes full of disbelief."

Only hearing Hongjun mutter to himself: 'In the world there exists such a strange being—possessing no primordial spirit, unable to retain even a trace of spiritual light, cultivating only the turbid qi divine abilities, refining the power of bloodline laws; truly it is extraordinary!'

Translation: "Only hearing Hongjun mutter to himself: 'In the world there actually exists such a strange living being—possessing no primordial spirit, unable to retain even a trace of spiritual light, cultivating only the turbid qi divine ability, condensing the power of bloodline laws—truly extraordinary!'"

Reflecting on his own founded immortal path and the existing divine cultivation methods, both differ from it; the extent of its divergence is unknown.

Translation: "Reflecting on his own founded Immortal Dao and the existing Divine Path cultivation method, both differ from it; the extent of their divergence is unknown."

We need "Immortal Dao", "Divine Path cultivation method". We'll translate as "Immortal Dao" and "Divine Path cultivation method". Good.

Having no primordial spirit, yet still able to cultivate to this day, is truly exceedingly rare in the primordial age.

In the Primordial Chaos, regardless of cultivation strength or whether one cultivates, ultimately there exists a primordial spirit; perceiving heaven and earth gives rise to spiritual wisdom, enabling progress.

But now he sees that one can cultivate without a primordial spirit, and their strength is not inferior to Luotian Zunshen; this reminded him of the ancient creatures, ferocious beasts! This also made Hongjun increasingly certain that the warning brought by the Creation Jade Disc was caused by it.

(End of Chapter)